Holden’s new medium-sized sedan, the Malibu, has made its international debut at the Shanghai Auto Show amid much anticipation.

The reveal, conducted by Chevrolet, saw the veil lifted on the new-generation model that will be sold in up to 100 countries including Australia next year. A decision has not yet been made on whether the Malibu will be sold here in New Zealand. If it is, the Malibu will replace the unpopular Epica in Holden’s lineup and will compete against segment heavyweights like the Ford Mondeo and Mazda6.

The Mailbu will be powered by a range of 4-cylinder engines, with more details to be released shortly. Over in the States the Malibu will be offered with a new direct-injected 2.5 litre four-cylinder Ecotec petrol engine producing 141kW and 245Nm of torque.

Holden New Zealand and Gull service stations has just announced that E85 bio-fuel will go on sale in New Zealand for the first time.

Gull will open its first pump, selling as Gull Force Pro, in Hamilton today (14 April) and is expected to increase the number of sites throughout the country as demand grows.

Holden’s Energy and Environment Director Richard Marshall said the ethanol-blend fuel, also known as E85, would be suitable for 3.0 litre V6 and V8 models in the latest Holden Commodore VE Series II range.

The E85 fuel will be sold at Gull with an opening price of $2.26 per litre with a 5 cents per litre opening special. Early adopters of this eco-fuel can expect a increase in power from its higher octane rating but also an increase in fuel usage due to it containing less energy than conventional petrol.

“In a major step towards creating a cleaner New Zealand fuel landscape, VE Series II customers who purchase models powered by 3.0 Litre SIDI V6 or 6.0 Litre V8 engines will be able to run their cars on this high ethanol blend fuel, which can reduce vehicle CO emissions by between 35-50 per cent when compared to petrol*,” Mr Marshall said.

The first image of Holden’s new-generation mid-sized sedan has been released ahead of its global reveal as the Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu will be revealed during the sedan’s public debut at Shanghai Auto Show on April 19th.

Holden has confirmed that the Malibu will be coming to New Zealand for the first time in 2012 with a range of four cylinder models.

Holden New Zealand Managing Director Simon Carr said the Chevrolet Malibu gives a clear indication of what customers can expect from Holden when it launches its version of the next-generation mid-sized sedan.

“The Malibu will provide a spacious and efficient four-cylinder alternative for New Zealanders in this fuel conscious time and needless to say it will play an important role within the Holden line-up,” Mr Carr said. “Malibu will bridge the gap between our very popular Cruze small car and a favourite of this country, one of New Zealand’s best-selling cars, the Commodore. This car will have heads turning in the streets with its striking styling, in the same vein as recent additions to the GM portfolio, including the new-generation Cruze Hatch and Barina. Many customers were pleasantly surprised at how good the Cruze was and Malibu will be no different, especially with its amazing array of clever technologies and features.” Continue reading “Holden teases NZ-bound Malibu ahead of debut (+video)” »

Holden New Zealand’s new city car, the Barina Spark will officially debut at next week’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The 1.2-litre hatch will join the existing Barina model range and becomes the latest model in Holden’s small car portfolio.

Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Simon Carr, thinks the Barina Spark will attract a younger generation of buyers to the Holden brand.

“This is a very style-conscious market and what we have here is a really fresh and energetic design that breaks the “cute car” mould. It’s a fun, fuel efficient package which offers class-leading safety features and value for money in the best Holden tradition.”

“The Barina Spark injects a healthy dose of attitude and street presence and brings together a number of elements that really resonate with consumers” he said.

The 5-door Barina Spark CD and CDX are based on GMŸs latest global design. Standard features include a sports body kit, alloy wheels, fog lamps and a rear spoiler, along with safety features across the range, like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six-airbag occupant protection.

Both are powered by a 1.2 litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is a frugal 5.6 litres/100km combined.

In terms of styling the Barina Spark is designed to have the look of a sporty three-door while delivering five-door functionality. The rear door handles are hidden to help further the wedge-shaped profile and clean body sides. Up front, raked headlamps flank a large Holden grille.

Holden will add a new Captiva five-seater to its SUV range in NZ later this year.

The Captiva 5 will be powered by a 2.4 litre four cylinder engine which may appeal to both business fleets and private buyers.

Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Simon Carr, said the introduction of the Captiva 5 will make Holden even more competitive in the SUV market. “It is fantastic to have an additional engine option and seat configuration available as it broadens the range and broadens the choice for our customers.”

Available as a 2WD with manual transmission or an AWD with automatic transmission, Captiva 5 will compete directly against Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson.

Holden Captiva is currently New Zealand’s second highest selling SUV in the medium market. With a market share of 16.4%, Captiva outsells the Ford Territory, with 426 vehicles sold year to date.

The Captiva seven-seater range will continue with the SX, CX and LX models.

Captiva 5 will go on sale in December with the following recommended retail prices:

Captiva 5 2WD (manual) $33,490Captiva 5 AWD (automatic) $38,990

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Holden New Zealand today announced that Simon Carr would succeed Peter Keley as Managing Director, effective from the 1 August, 2008. Simon joined GM Holden in 2001 following 20 years experience in the automotive industry with prior roles with the Nissan Motor Company in the United Kingdom.